There was no sound from the group, save for Harry's soft sobs as his mother comforted him. Finally, she let go of him and stood up, "I must go to Olympus immediately.

She turned back to the group and approached them, starting with Annabeth, who knelt in respect. The goddess placed a hand on her shoulder and said, "My dear girl, you are brave beyond measure. When the time comes, I am sure that you will do the right thing."

Thalia was next and she knelt as well. Lady Artemis didn't say anything, but simply sized her up. Turning to Percy, she said, "You did well. For a man. I am honoured that my son treasures your friendship."

Turning to Ron and Hermione, she said, "I was right about both of you. You have been loyal friends and I am honoured to have known you."

When she spoke to Bianca, she said, "In another life, you would have been a great Hunter. But you have a bigger destiny to fulfil."

Finally, she turned to Harry, "My son… You have shown incredible strength in this ordeal. Zoe knew the risks of this quest, but she did it anyway, because she loved you. I will ensure that she is sent to Elysium, and I am sure James and Lily would agree that she did a fine job of raising you to be the man you are, today. Goodbye my son, I shall see you shortly."

She stepped away and began to glow brightly. Everyone instinctively averted their eyes to avoid being incinerated. Moments later, she was gone, and that left Annabeth, Thalia, Percy, Bianca, Harry, Ron and Hermione.

After a while, two different sounds were heard, the flapping of large wings and the galloping of hooves. Percy's black pegasus swooped down, along with two other pegasi. Then, Mistmane galloped up, along with three unicorns. Hermione and Thalia hollered in unison, "Dibs on the unicorns!"

Harry, Thalia, Hermione and Bianca mounted their unicorns, while Percy, Ron and Annabeth were on the pegasi. Percy appeared to listen to his pegasus and suppressed a laugh. He snickered, "Yo Harry! I think Blackjack's got a bit of a crush on Mistmane."

Harry chortled as well, "Hahahaha! We'll leave the lovebirds together later. Now come on! We've got to get to Olympus."

The two groups galloped for a while in reasonable silence. After a few hours, they were in New York, which was surprising for Harry. However, Mistmane confirmed to him that it was the inert magic of the unicorns and pegasi that allowed them to move faster.

They eventually gathered together outside the Empire State Building and walked inside. From there, Harry successfully negotiated with the security guard to allow them to the 600th floor. When they reached, it was close to dawn, and in the early-morning darkness, torches and fires made the mountainside palaces glow twenty different colours, from blood red to indigo.

Finally, the seven of them found themselves standing in front of a pair of huge silver gates. Those gates eventually opened on their own and the hesitantly walked inside into the throne room.

Inside, thirteen enormous thrones made a U round a central hearth, just like the placement of the cabins at camp. The ceiling above glittered with constellations – even the newest one, Zoe the Huntress, making her way across the heavens with her bow drawn. All seats were occupied and in the center of the room, was a large sphere of water. Inside the sphere was the Ophiotaurus, and Grover was knelt next to it, facing Lord Zeus. Surprisingly, Hades was also present.

It seemed as if Grover was just wrapping up a report. Lord Zeus made a dismissive motion and the satyr stood up. He spotted them and trotted over as fast as he could. He gave each of them a massive hug and bleated, "Man! We made it! But you have to convince them! They can't do it!"

Then, Artemis called out from her throne, "Heroes! The Council has been informed of your deeds. They are aware that Mount Othrys is rising in the West. They know of Atlas's attempt for freedom, and the gathering armies of Kronos. We have voted to act. At my Lord Zeus's command, my brother Apollo and I shall hunt the most powerful monsters, seeking to strike them down before they can join the Titans' cause. Lady Athena shall personally check on the other Titans to make sure they do not escape their various prisons. Lord Poseidon has been given permission to unleash his full fury on the cruise ship Princess Andromeda and send it to the bottom of the sea. And as for you, my heroes…"

She turned to face the other immortals. "These half-bloods have done Olympus a great service. Would any here deny that?"

The gods simply stared at them poker-faced, not giving away anything. Then Apollo broke the silence, "I got to say. These kids did okay. Heroes win laurels –"

Hermes hurriedly interrupted, "Um, yes, first class. All in favour of not disintegrating them?".

A few tentative hands went up – Demeter, Aphrodite.

Ares growled and pointed at Thalia and Percy, "Wait just a minute. These two are dangerous. It'd be much safer, while we've got them here –"

Poseidon interrupted, "Ares, they are worthy heroes. We will not blast my son to bits."

Zeus grumbled, "Nor my daughter. She has done well."

Hades also snapped, "Nor my children."

Athena was the one to speak next, "I am proud of my daughter as well. But there is a security risk here, with three of them, as well as the other."

Annabeth tried to protest, "Mother!"

Athena cut her off with a firm look, "It is unfortunate that Lord Zeus and Lord Poseidon chose to break the oath. Also, I am aware that Lord Hades' children were born before the oath, but they are no less dangerous. As thick-headed as he is, Ares has a point."

Ares looked briefly smug, "Right!"

Then he frowned, "Hey, wait a minute. Who are you calling-"

A grapevine wrapped around him and Dionysus sighed, "Oh please, Ares. Save the fighting for later."

Ares snarled, "You're one to talk, you old drunk. You seriously want to protect these brats?"

Dionysus gazed down at the wary group, "I have no love for them, I admit. Athena, do you truly think it safest to destroy them?"

Athena crisply replied, "I do not pass judgement. I only point out the risk. What we do, the Council must decide."

Artemis snapped, "I will not have them punished. I will have them rewarded. If we destroy heroes who do us a great favour, then we are no better than the Titans. If this is Olympian justice, I will have none of it."

Apollo raised his hands placatingly, "Calm down, sis. Jeez, you need to lighten up."

"Don't call me sis! I will reward them."

Zeus grumbled, "Perhaps. But the monster at least must be destroyed. We have agreement on that?"

Several gods nodded in unison. Percy was aghast, "The Ophiotaurus? You want to destroy the Ophiotaurus? He's just a sea creature. A really nice sea creature. We can't destroy him."

Poseidon shifted uncomfortably, "Percy, the monster's power is considerable. If the Titans were to steal it, or –"

Percy interrupted, "Father you can't! Lord Zeus, controlling the prophecies never works. Isn't that true? Besides, the Ophiotaurus is innocent. Killing something like that is wrong. It's just as wrong as… as Kronos eating his children, just because of something they might do. It's wrong!"

Zeus didn't speak for a while, and then he said, "And what of the risk? Kronos knows full well, if one of you were to sacrifice the beast's entrails, you would have the power to destroy us. Do you think we can let that possibility remain? You, my daughter, will turn 16 in December, just as the prophecy says."

Annabeth cried out, "My Lord, you have to trust them."

Artemis backed her up, "Annabeth is right. Which is why I must first make a reward. Father Zeus, I must speak to you privately."

The two of them whispered for a bit and then sat back. Artemis announced, "Thalia, Daughter of Zeus. Will you join the Hunt?"

Stunned silence filled the room. Annabeth smiled and squeezed Thalia's hand. Thalia stepped forward stiffly and replied, "I will. Father, I will not turn 16 in December. I will never turn 16. I won't let this prophecy be mine. I stand with my sister Artemis. Kronos will never tempt me again."

She knelt before the goddess and recited the oath, "I pledge myself to the Goddess Artemis. I turn my back on the company of men."

Then Artemis announced, "Harry Potter! Step forward my son."

Harry nervously stepped forward and knelt before his mother with his head bowed. She gazed down at him and said, "My son, this is in accordance with Zoe Nightshade's final request before she passed on. Harry James Potter, I hereby appoint you as Lieutenant of the Hunters of Artemis!"

Harry's head snapped up in surprise, "Mother? Are you sure? As far as I'm aware, no male has ever-"

She gently cut him off, "My son… Zoe and I have raised you to be a fine warrior and a good man. She knew that one day, you would be ready to be the leader. Knowing how far you have come since then, I agreed with her."

He bowed his head again and stood up, "In that case, I will honour that. Mother, I promise to fulfil my duty to the best of my ability."

Artemis reached into her dress and took out Zoe's circlet. With a wave of her hand, she changed it into a badge. She stepped off her throne, morphed into a mortal form and approached him. Stopping in front of him, she pinned the badge to his T-shirt.

Before long, she was back on her throne and he robotically walked back to his friends. Annabeth, Thalia, Bianca and Hermione took turns hugging him. Percy, Grover and Ron also congratulated him.

When they were done, Harry and Thalia went to stand by Artemis' side. Harry whispered to her, "Hey mate. I need you to do something for me. I won't be around all the time, because I still have to attend Hogwarts. In my absence, will you take over as the leader?"

She nodded, "I will. It's the least that I can do."

Artemis nodded approvingly before she announced, "Now, for the Ophiotaurus."

Dionysus warned, "This boy is still dangerous. The beast is a temptation to great power. Even if we spare the boy –"

Percy looked at the gods, "No. Please. Keep the Ophiotaurus safe. My dad can hide him under the sea somewhere, or keep him in an aquarium here in Olympus. But you have to protect him."

Hephaestus rumbled, "And why should we trust you?"

Percy reasoned, "I'm only fourteen. If this prophecy is about me, that's two more years."

Athena warned, "Two years for Kronos to deceive you. Much can change in two years, my young hero."

Annabeth cried out exasperatedly, "Mother!"

Athena told her, "It is only the truth, child. It is bad strategy to keep the animal alive. Or the boy."

Poseidon stood abruptly, "I will not have a sea creature destroyed if I can help it. And I CAN help it."

He held out his hand, and a trident appeared in it: a six-metre-long bronze shaft with three spear tips that shimmered with blue, watery light, "I will vouch for the boy, and the safety of the Ophiotaurus."

Zeus also stood up and summoned his lightning bolt, "You won't take it under the sea! I won't have that kind of bargaining chip in your possession."

The atmosphere was thick with tension as the two gods glared at each other.

Then,Harry raised a hesitant hand, "My lords? I think I have an idea."

All eyes turned to him and he flushed at the attention. Ignoring his embarrassment he said, "My Lord, what if my friends and I took the Ophiotaurus with us to the Wizarding World. We can hide him in Hogwarts."

Hermione gasped, "The Black Lake! Harry, that is perfect! The Wizarding World is neutral territory and the Ophiotaurus will have plenty of space to swim around, as opposed to an aquarium here at Olympus."

Zeus and Poseidon locked eyes and came to a silent agreement. Zeus called out, "All in favour?"

It was an overwhelming majority, with only Athena, Dionysus and Ares abstaining.

Zeus boomed, "We have a majority. And so, since we will not be destroying these heroes… I imagine we should honour them. Let the triumph celebration begin!"

As the party continued, Percy was overwhelmed by the numerous gods swarming up to congratulate him. Few others even went to congratulate Harry for his appointment as Lieutenant of the Hunt. After successfully fending off Apollo's invitations to have some archery lessons with him, the demigod came face-to-face with his father.

Poseidon smiled at his son, "You won't let me down, I hope. You've done well so far."

"Thanks, dad."

The Poseidon's face turned grave, "Perseus… About your former friend, Luke. He once made big promises and was Hermes' pride and joy. I have a feeling that he's not dead."

Percy was a little taken aback, "Dad? Are you sure? I mean, that fall was pretty hard. Very few can survive that."

Poseidon nodded, "I'm afraid it is the truth. It's just a feeling that I have. His boat sails from San Francisco with the remains of Kronos even now. He will retreat and regroup before assaulting you again. I will do my best to destroy his boat with storms, but he is making alliances with my enemies, the older spirits of the ocean. They will fight to protect him."

Percy asked, "What about Atlas? What's to prevent him from escaping again? Couldn't he just force some giant or something to take the sky for him?'

His father snorted in derision. "If it were so easy, he would have escaped long ago. No, my son. The curse of the sky can only be forced upon a Titan, one of the children of Gaia and Ouranos. Anyone else must choose to take the burden of their own free will. Only a hero, someone with strength, a true heart, and great courage, would do such a thing. No one in Kronos's army would dare try to bear that weight, even upon pain of death. Which is why it is admirable that you and Harry lasted this long."

Their conversation was interrupted by some frantic mooing. They turned to see the Ophiotaurus' water sphere being pushed back and forth over the top of the crowd.

Poseidon grumbled, "We'd better take care of that. Can't have the Ophiotaurus be tossed around like a beach ball."

They made their way over, just as Hermione came to the rescue and the magicals took the sphere away. Percy watched in fascination as she, Harry and Ron somehow stuffed the giant water sphere into Hermione's bag, whose opening seemed too small for it. Percy demanded, "Whoa! How the heck did you do that?"

She preened, "Harry's uncle Sirius gifted it to me before our quest. This thing has an Extension Charm in it, so I can fit in anything, no matter how big. I call it my Mary Poppins bag"

Satisfied, Percy turned away, only to come face to face with Athena. In all honesty, he tried everything in his power not to sound resentful as he addressed her. After all, it did sting when she practically wrote him off.

Athena simply gave him a wry smile, "Do not judge me too harshly, half-blood. Wise counsel is not always popular, but I spoke the truth. You are dangerous."

He tilted his head curiously, "You never take risks?"

She shrugged, "I concede the point. You may perhaps be useful. And yet… your fatal flaw may destroy us as well as yourself. Kronos knows your flaw, even if you do not. He knows how to study his enemies. Think, Percy. How has he manipulated you? First, your mother was taken from you. Then your best friend, Grover. Now, he tried it on Harry. It could have so easily been my daughter, whom you care for a lot. Your friends and loved ones have been used to lure you into Kronos's traps. Your fatal flaw is personal loyalty, Percy. You do not know when it is time to cut your losses. To save a friend, you would sacrifice the world. In a hero of the prophecy, that is very, very dangerous."

He was starting to get a little angry, "With respect, that's not a flaw. I just want to help my friends."

She countered with "The most dangerous flaws are those which are good in moderation. Evil is easy to fight. Lack of wisdom… that is very hard indeed. I hope the Council's decisions prove wise. But I will be watching, Percy Jackson. I do not approve of your friendship with my daughter. I do not think it wise for either of you. And should you begin to waver in your loyalties…"

They watched as Annabeth came running over, only to slow when she spotted her mother. Athena said, "I shall take your leave. For now."

She walked away, and Annabeth came in looking worried, "You okay? She didn't give you a hard time, did she?"

He shrugged, "We're fine."

Annabeth didn't look convinced but she ran her hand through his hair. Only stopping to finger a streak of grey in his hair, a parting gift from holding up the sky. Then he changed the subject, "Care to dance?"

She smiled slowly, "Alright, Seaweed Brain, you're on. Step on my toes and I will kill you."

After what seemed like hours, the group decided to leave Olympus and part ways. Percy, Grover and Annabeth split from the group and headed to Camp Half-Blood. The others stayed back as Artemis was going to re-join the Hunters and induct Thalia into the ranks and introduce Harry as the new Lieutenant. From there, Harry, Ron, Hermione and Bianca would head to Hogwarts.

Apollo was kind enough to let them hitch a ride in his chariot and he dropped them at Number 12 Grimmauld Place. As soon as Harry stepped inside, he was seized and wrapped in an octopus hug from Mackenzie, Sirius and Remus. Molly Weasley wrapped Ron and Hermione in a big hug. Bianca also got tackled into a tight hug from Nico.

Then came the hard part, gathering the Hunters and breaking the news of Zoe's death. None of them took it well, and Phoebe even swore that if Atlas ever got free, she would kill him herself. On a brighter note, the Hunters welcomed Thalia into their ranks. When Thalia told them that Harry was the new Lieutenant of the Hunters, they emitted a loud cheer. The next thing Harry knew, he was buried under several girls hugging him.

Finally, Katie helped him up and ruffled his salt and pepper hair. She joked, "So should we call you, Boss, from now on?"

Harry swatted her hand away, "Oi! Stop that! Besides, I'm only the leader until we head to Hogwarts. Beyond that, Thalia will take over in my absence."

Over the next few weeks in the build-up to September 1st, Harry and the Hunters trained hard. Then in the last week of August, Thalia and the Hunters left, leaving only Harry and Katie. Before she did, Harry unpinned his badge. It transformed into a silver circlet, which he gently placed on Thalia's head.

Sirius had been kind enough to buy all of his, Ron's and Hermione's Fourth-Year Books as well as Bianca and Mackenzie's Third-Year books, while they were on the quest. Then Harry spotted something odd on his checklist, "Dress robes? What for?"

Remus shrugged, "Those are for formal occasions. There's something big happening this year at Hogwarts. Unfortunately, we can't tell you what it is. Dumbledore made us promise not to tell. It's a surprise."

In the next room, they could hear Ron yelling in horror, "You've got to be kidding! I'm not wearing that! No way!"

Molly's cross voice snapped, "Everyone wears them, Ron! They're all like that! Your father's got some for smart parties!"

"I'll go starkers before I put that on," said Ron stubbornly.

"Don't be so silly," Mrs. Weasley replied. "You've got to have dress robes, they're on your list!"

Sirius chuckled from the doorway, "Just saw the robes that Molly's given Ron. Four words to describe it, Kill It With Fire. I wanted to buy you a tuxedo, because, f**k tradition, but the bloody shops at Diagon Alley have no idea what that is."

Remus snapped, "Sirius! Language!"

Sirius waved him off, "He's 14, Moony. Harry would have heard a lot worse in the dorms."

Harry laughed as he wrestled with his snapping Monster Book of Monsters. He casually asked, "So what's been happening while I was missing?"

Sirius replied, "Well… There was an intruder at Mad-Eye Moody's, a couple of days ago. Lots of carnage and poor Arthur was worked to the bone to clean up that mess."

Finally, September 1st arrived and they were on their way to Kings Cross Station. Bianca stared blankly at the pillar between Platform 9 and Platform 10. She deadpanned, "Let me get this straight… You two want me to run right at that pillar? Are you crazy?"

Harry pat her back, "Trust me, Bianca. I wouldn't lie to you."

She took a deep breath, "Okay then…"

The girl charged and soon disappeared through the portal. Harry and Mackenzie followed her and grinned at Bianca's awed look. Meanwhile, the older Weasley siblings were busy teasing the younger ones with hints about the special things that awaited them that year.

Harry, Ron and Hermione soon walked into the Hogwarts Express and found a compartment. Mackenzie and Ginny had dragged Bianca away to meet their friends. Before long, Neville showed up with his parents and grandmother. The boy looked like he had lost a fair about of weight and looked more fit. He clapped Harry firmly on the back as he took a seat next to him.

Neville said, "Hey Harry. Good to see that you're okay. Man! Everyone is talking about the World Cup fiasco. Ministry tried to bury it, suggesting that it was a bunch of drunk wizards playing a practical joke. However, Madam Bones later issued a statement saying that you were kidnapped. The Prophet was all over it, and what the hell happened to your hair?!"

Harry cast a privacy spell and replied, "To make a long story short, a Greek monster called a Manticore kidnapped me. Bloke was a mercenary and was hired by some Death Eaters. Later on, I found out that the traitor Luke, had outbid the Death Eaters. So the Manticore killed the Death Eaters and delivered me to Luke. I was imprisoned at Mount Tamalpais in San Francisco. The special thing about that place is that it is where the sky almost touches the earth. However, they cannot be allowed to meet. Otherwise the weight of the sky would flatten the earth for thousands of miles."

Neville's eyes were wide, "Whoa! What happened next?"

"Well, I was forced to hold up the sky for days. Bloody Hell! It was insanely heavy! Felt like my whole body was on fire. Ron and Hermione teamed up with some of my demigod friends and rescued me."

Neville's eyes bugged out, "YOU HELD UP THE SKY!"

Ron mumbled, "Yeah… We were right there. The quest wasn't without casualties though."

At this, Harry's face grew sad and Hermione wrapped a comforting arm around him. Ron continued hollowly, "Zoe Nightshade, one of the Hunters of Artemis and sister-figure to Harry, died."

Neville patted Harry's arm sympathetically, "Sorry to hear that, mate."

Harry let out a deep sigh, "Yeah… It still hurts, but I'll probably get over it after a while. I knew that being a demigod was dangerous, but this is the first time someone close to me has died."

They sat in silence for a while, and outside the window, it began to rain. Harry soon took down the privacy spell and they talked about more mundane things. Several off their friends dropped by, few like Seamus commented on Harry's hair.

Then, the door burst open to reveal Malfoy and his cronies. He sneered, "Heard a rumour that Potty was sporting a new look. Had to see it for myself, you old geezer."

Harry shot him a cool look, "You like it? Would you like me to give you a makeover as well?"

Malfoy ignored him, "So Weasley, are you going to enter? Going to try and bring a bit of glory to the family name? Heard from my mum that there's money involved. You'll probably be able to afford decent robes."

"What are you talking about?" snapped Ron.

"Are you going to enter?" Malfoy repeated. "I suppose you will, Potter? You never miss a chance to show off, do you?"

Hermione looked up from a book that she was reading and said icily, "Either explain what you're on about or go away, Malfoy."

He sneered and flounced away, followed by Crabbe, Goyle, Snyde and Murk. Ron muttered darkly under his breath, "Wish I could see him take the weight of the sky. Wanker wouldn't last a second."

Finally, after a long journey, they reached Hogsmeade Station. Bianca split from them, joining the First-Years as they approached Hagrid. Harry and his friend left the train, heads bent and eyes narrowed against the downpour. The rain was now coming down so thick and fast that it was as though buckets of ice-cold water were being emptied repeatedly over their heads.

Hermione shivered, "Oooh! I wouldn't fancy crossing the lake in this weather."

Harry and Neville boarded a carriage, with Ron and Hermione joining them after a few seconds. The redhead murmured, "Bloody hell. It's not easy seeing Thestrals."

Finally, the bedraggled students trudged up the marble staircase. Suddenly, Harry activated his wand holster shield and braced himself as a red water balloon impacted against it. A second balloon also hit the shield and Peeves blew a raspberry. He complained, "Aww man! Shields are no fair! Spoilsport!"

Footsteps echoed across the floor and McGonagall yelled, "PEEVES! Peeves, come down here at once!"

The deputy headmistress suddenly slipped, but Harry managed to steady her. She nodded gratefully, "Thank you, Mr Potter."

She ushered everyone inside the Great Hall, as they narrowly avoided more water balloons. Once inside, Harry turned his shield back into a wand holster. Harry and his friends then took their seats and he heard Colin Creevey from across the table. The boy excited chattered, "Guess what, Harry! My brother's starting this year! His name is Dennis! He's really excited!. I just hope he's in Gryffindor! Keep your fingers crossed, eh, Harry?"

Harry smiled at him, "Will do so, Colin!"

He gazed at the Head table and saw three empty seats. Harry observed that one was probably for Hagrid, another for McGonagall, who was supervising the cleaning of the corridor. So the last one was probably for the DADA professor after Remus voluntarily vacated the position to help Dumbledore with the Horcrux problem. According to Sirius, they managed to remove one from the Hufflepuff Cup, sometime ago. Lord Thanatos had shown up to aid them, and with his help extracted the Horcrux without destroying the Cup.

Harry was brought out of his musings by the doors opening. McGonagall walked in, leading the First-Years to the other end of the Great Hall. All of them were soaked to the bone, and Bianca also stood out as the tallest of the lot. Dean motioned towards her, "Oi, who's she? Another late bloomer?"

Ron replied, "Guess so. Same situation as that Alves girl last year."

McGonagall placed the Sorting Hat in front of everyone and it burst into song as usual.

"A thousand years or more ago,

When I was newly sewn,

There lived four wizards of renown,

Whose names are still well known:

Bold Gryffindor, from wild moor,

Fair Ravenclaw, from glen,

Sweet Hufflepuff, from valley broad,"

"Shrewd Slytherin, from fen.

They shared a wish, a hope, a dream,

They hatched a daring plan

To educate young sorcerers

Thus Hogwarts School began.

Now each of these four founders

Formed their own House, for each

Did value different virtues

In the ones they had to teach.

By Gryffindor, the bravest were

Prized far beyond the rest;

For Ravenclaw, the cleverest

Would always be the best;

For Hufflepuff, hard workers were

Most worthy of admission;

And power-hungry Slytherin

Loved those of great ambition.

While still alive they did divide

Their favourites from the throng,

Yet how to pick the worthy ones

When they were dead and gone?

'Twas Gryffindor who found the way,"

"He whipped me off his head

The founders put some brains in me

So I could choose instead!

Now slip me snug about your ears,

I've never yet been wrong,

I'll have a look inside your mind

And tell where you belong!"

Harry mused to Hermione, "We really need to get the Hat to meet Apollo. Maybe they can improve each other's lyrics."

She giggled in response.

Then the Sorting began in earnest. Students were spread out a little unevenly between the four houses. Dennis Creevey soon joined his big brother and excitedly began telling him about falling in the lake. That jogged Harry's memory and he got Hermione's attention. He whispered, "You still have him?"

She nodded and whispered back, "We'll do it tomorrow at dawn."

Finally, Dumbledore stood up and called for silence. He announced, "Students, as you can probably see, we have another late transfer this year. I would like to welcome Miss Bianca di Angelo, who will be joining the Third Years."

The slightly mortified girl sat down on the stool and had the Hat plopped on her head. Everyone waited with bated breath until it called out, "GRYFFINDOR!"

Harry and his housemates emitted a loud cheer and she made her way over to sit between Harry and Mackenzie. She excitedly whispered, "He said that it was a toss-up between Hufflepuff and Gryffindor. But the fact that I went on the quest and he saw what I did, convinced him to put me in Gryffindor."

At last, Dumbledore gave the order to tuck into their meals. As they ate, Sir Nicholas de Mimsy Porpington floated over. He noted, "You're lucky that there was a feast tonight. Trouble in the kitchens, from Peeves. He wanted to attend the feast, but he normally wreaks havoc. The Friant wanted to give him a chance, but the Bloody Baron put his foot down. Damn nearly scared the house elves to bits."

Harry glanced at Hermione, half expecting her to throw a fit. During their stay at Grimmauld Place, she got the impression that the house elves were slaves. That lasted until Sirius and Remus sat down with her and explained that the house-elves' payment came in the form of their owners' magic. Fortunately, she didn't say anything and kept eating.

Once all the food was magically cleared away, Dumbledore stood up again. He announced, "So! Now that we are all fed and watered, I must once more ask for your attention, while I give out a few notices. Caretaker Filch has asked me to tell you that the list of objects forbidden inside the castle has this year been extended to include Screaming Yo-yos, Fanged Frisbees, and Ever-Bashing Boomerangs. The full list comprises some four hundred and thirty-seven items, I believe, and can be viewed in Mr. Filch's office, if anybody would like to check it. As ever, I would like to remind you all that the forest on the grounds is out-of-bounds to students, as is the village of Hogsmeade to all below third year."

Then he said, "I would also like to inform you that in addition to the Quidditch Cup and the Capture the Flag games, we will be announcing a new tournament!"

That got everyone talking and Dumbledore continued, "This event will be starting in October, and continuing throughout the school year, taking up much of the teachers' time and energy — but I am sure you will all enjoy it immensely."

Before he could speak any further, the doors of the Great Hall banged open. A man stood in the doorway, leaning upon a long staff, shrouded in a black traveling cloak. Every head in the Great Hall swivelled toward the stranger, suddenly brightly illuminated by a fork of lightning that flashed across the ceiling. He lowered his hood, shook out a long mane of grizzled, dark gray hair, then began to limp toward the teachers' table. Each step echoed with a dull clunk until he reached the end. Lightning flashed as the storm outside continued to rage. The lightning illuminated a very grisly-looking face.

Every inch of skin seemed to be scarred. The mouth looked like a diagonal gash, and a large chunk of the nose was missing. Had Harry not gone up against scarier monsters, he would have been intimidated by the man's eyes. One was dark and beady, and the other was large, round as a coin, and a vivid, electric blue. The blue eye was moving ceaselessly, without blinking, and was rolling up, down, and from side to side, quite independently of the normal eye — and then it rolled right over, pointing into the back of the man's head, so that all they could see was whiteness.

The man limped up to Dumbledore and stretched out a scarred hand. After a brief exchange, the man sat down in the only empty seat at the head table. Everyone watched as he served himself, sniffed his food and began eating.

Meanwhile, Dumbledore cheerily said, "May I introduce our new Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher, Professor Alastor Moody"

There was scattered applause, as the entire student body just seemed shell-shocked. Dumbledore cleared his throat, "As I was saying, we are to have the honour of hosting a very exciting event over the coming months, an event that has not been held for over a century. It is my very great pleasure to inform you that the Triwizard Tournament will be taking place at Hogwarts this year."

There was an audible gasp and Fred loudly proclaimed, "Cor! You're joking!"

The tension was broken with everyone bursting into peals of laughter. Dumbledore chuckled, "I am not joking, Mr. Weasley. Though now that you mention it, I did hear an excellent one over the summer about a troll, a hag, and a leprechaun who all go into a bar . . ."

Professor McGonagall cleared her throat loudly.

He sheepishly tapered off, "Er — but maybe this is not the time . . . no . . . Where was I? Ah yes, the Triwizard Tournament . . . well, some of you will not know what this tournament involves, so I hope those who do know will forgive me for giving a short explanation, and allow their attention to wander freely. The Triwizard Tournament was first established some seven hundred years ago as a friendly competition between the three largest European schools of wizardry: Hogwarts, Beauxbatons, and Durmstrang. A champion was selected to represent each school, and the three champions competed in three magical tasks. The schools took it in turns to host the tournament once every five years, and it was generally agreed to be a most excellent way of establishing ties between young witches and wizards of different nationalities — until, that is, the death toll mounted so high that the tournament was discontinued."

An outraged Hermione whispered harshly, "Death toll!"

Harry grimaced, "Seriously! I already risk my life enough, but now, to do it to entertain others?"

However, the other students were whispering excitedly.

Dumbledore explained, "There have been several attempts over the centuries to reinstate the tournament, none of which has been very successful. However, our own Departments of International Magical Co-operation and Magical Games and Sports have decided the time is ripe for another attempt. We have worked hard over the summer to ensure that this time, no champion will find himself or herself in mortal danger. The Heads of Beauxbatons and Durmstrang will be arriving with their short-listed contenders in October, and the selection of the three champions will take place at Halloween. An impartial judge will decide which students are most worthy to compete for the Triwizard Cup, the glory of their school and a thousand Galleons personal prize money."

That got the buzz in the crowd to grow even louder. Once again, Dumbledore called for silence. He continued, "Now, I can see that you are all excited. However, there are some stipulations. Owing to the danger that this tournament presents, there will be an age restriction. Initially, the Ministry of Magic proposed that only students who are of age, would participate."

That piece of news was met with hundreds of groans and boos. The headmaster spoke up once again, "However, I managed to convince them that the limit should be lowered a bit, since there are younger students who are just as talented and capable. It took some negotiation, but now, students who are of the age of 14 or above, are eligible to participate."

There was a mixed reaction to that, but majority were satisfied. Dumbledore wound up his speech, "The delegations from Beauxbatons and Durmstrang will be arriving in October and remaining with us for the greater part of this year. I know that you will all extend every courtesy to our foreign guests while they are with us, and will give your whole-hearted support to the Hogwarts champion when he or she is selected. And now, it is late, and I know how important it is to you all to be alert and rested as you enter your lessons tomorrow morning. Bedtime! Chop, chop!"

As they walked back, Harry looked a bit thoughtful. His three friends noticed and Ron nudged him, "Knut for your thoughts?"

He murmured, "Later… When we're in the Common Room."

Eventually, they reached Gryffindor Tower. They moved to an isolated corner of the Common Room and then Harry spoke, "I'm kind of in two minds about this. On one hand, I just got back after getting kidnapped and holding up the sky for several days straight. Do I really want to risk my life so soon? On the other hand, I want to enter, because it will be great training for me. Kronos' forces are rising. Ron, Hermione, you two were there at Mount Tam. Look, I honestly don't care about the money. I NEED to get stronger for the final battle against Kronos."

Ron shivered, "Blimey, that army was freaking terrifying. Thousands of giants, monsters and even other demigods. We would have been overwhelmed for sure."

Their little conversation was interrupted when one of the prefects called out, "Okay everyone! In bed, now! We'll discuss our nominations tomorrow night after classes end."

The next morning dawned and it was time for classes to begin. Before that, Harry was up at the crack of dawn, and he woke up Ron and Neville as well. The three boys padded down silently, and met with Hermione, who had her Mary Poppins bag.

They sneaked out, making their way to the Black Lake, avoiding Filch and Mrs Norris. Harry and Ron waded into the lake until the frigid water was up to their waists. Hermione and Neville then reached into the bag, and with some difficulty, pulled out the water sphere which contained the Ophiotaurus.

Neville's eyes widened in amazement at the sight of the cow serpent. Harry then carefully opened the large capsule and allowed the creature to slither out. It then doubled back and coiled around him, with the cow's head nuzzling him. Uncoiling itself, it swam off deeper into the Black Lake and was soon out of sight. Hermione dried everyone off and they all sneaked back to their Common Room.